BBC accused of more 'ageism against women' as Countryfile presenters are axed and Julia Bradbury is brought in
By
Paul Revoir
Last updated at 8:22 AM on 10th December 2008
The BBC has become involved in another ageism row after dropping its line-up of women presenters on rural affairs shows Countryfile.
Julia Bradbury the 36-year-old presenter of Watchdog has been brought in to the show as the new face of the long-running Sunday morning show.
Her move is part of a major revamp of the show which will see it moved to a Sunday tea-time slot as part of a plans to make it a ratings hit.
Younger: Watchdog preenter Julia Bradbury has been brought will be the new face of Countryfile
But as part of the moves a string of popular reporters all in their 40s or 50s are axed from the show, sparking claims of ageism.
This comes amid growing controversy about ageism against women in TV, amid claims that older women are prematurely dumped from presenting.
On Friday it was revealed that the first high profile case of its kind saw Selina Scott given a £250,000 pay-out from Channel Five.
She had claimed she was passed over for a major news presenting role because of her age and the role given to younger presenters.
Countryfile reporters Juliet Morris, Charlotte Smith and Miriam O'Reilly will not be returning for the news series.
Miss O'Reilly and Miss Smith are well respected journalists on the subject of rural affairs and environmental issues, presenting for Radio 4's Farming Today.
Wildlife presenter Michaela Strachan, 42, is also leaving the programme after 11 years.
Current presenter John Craven, 68, will remain along with Adam Henson.
Staying on: John Craven will remain on Countryfile
Miss Bradbury is to share the main presenting duties on the show with former Blue Peter presenter Matt Baker, 30.
Viewers have expressed their anger on internet forums claiming the moves were about not wanting women over 40 on the show.
They claimed the BBC wanted Julia Bradbury because she was more 'photogenic'.
Miss Strachan has laughed off the suggestions of ageism.
But a number of women including Anna Ford, Kate Adie and Joan Bakewell have spoken out over the issue.
There was a big row last year when the BBC dumped Moira Stuart amid accusations of ageism and sexism.
One source close to the show said: 'All of the female presenters, who are in their mid to late 40s and 50s, have gone.'
'They have been told they are not going to the new show and that the BBC wants a new line-up of presenters.
'The feeling is that it is down to ageism. The people who have made the show what it is now won't get the chance to be on the new series.
A BBC spokesman:'Any suggestion that the presenters of Countryfile have been replaced on the grounds of age is absolute nonsense.
'Matt Baker and Julia Bradbury will present the new prime-time version of the show but their appointments have been based on their rural knowledge and expertise alone.'
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Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below?
Another 2008 blunder!!!. A programme I watched with interest. These women are part of the programme , their knowledge comes with maturity. Who is it who makes these decisions, a team of kindergarten children. Well another reason for me not to pay my TV licence as my list of faux pars by the BBC is growing by the day
The writing was on the wall I think.
One only had to watch the number of 'Countryfile' type programmes she was suddenly appearing in.
John Craven has set the mark, lets hope she can come somewhere near it.
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